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2005 Nissan Sentra problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Nissan Sentra is engine and cooling, typically around 76,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Sentra model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
170
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
68
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
22-27mpg

The worst 2005 Nissan Sentra problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Nissan Sentra

Check engine light 27Stalling 15Overheating 14Won't start 9Misfire 8Engine failure 7Fuel pump 6Loss of power 6

Trouble codes owners of the 2005 Nissan Sentra mention

P0300 2P0303 2P1446 2

Recalls 5

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported December 1, 2020 · 3,930 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2002-2006 Sentra vehicles whose passenger air bags were previously inspected and may have been released without replacing the Takata air bag inflator. In the event of a crash, Takata frontal passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM964.

Recall number 20V747000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2020 · 307,962 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888‑737‑9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888‑810‑3715.

Recall number 20V008000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported May 15, 2015 · 1,090,569 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑647‑7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed the federal safety agency of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.

Recall number 15V287000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported November 14, 2007 · 653,910 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5l engine, the crankshaft position sensor can overheat causing a brief interruption in the signal output from the sensor.
Risk
If the interruption in the signal from the crankshaft position sensor is so brief that the electronic control module (ECM) logic does not have time to diagnose the condition, the engine may stop running without warning while the vehicle is driven at a low speed increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the ECM free of charge. Certain my 2006 altimas which have been previously remedied under recall campaign 06v223 (nissan r0606) are not included in this recall since the reprogramming for 06v223 also included this reprogramming. The recall began on december 31, 2007. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 07V527000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storageReported June 7, 2005 · 44,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, a vapor hose located in the fuel tank may not have been formed correctly during the manufacturing process. When the vehicle is parked with a full fuel tank, fuel may flow into the vapor hose, which is connected to a vapor canister.
Risk
The vapor canister could become full, and excess fuel could spill out onto the ground. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will check the vapor hose connections in the fuel tank to determine if a poor seal exists. If a poor seal is identified, a new fuel tank will be installed free of charge. The recall began on august 15, 2005. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 05V269000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2005 Nissan Sentra

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened February 24, 2015, still open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492

EA15001

Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened June 11, 2014, closed March 2, 2015

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with consistently high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly, ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016, four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016, four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The PE is now closed/upgraded to an Engineering Evaluation (EA15-001) to include all manufacturersand vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's EA investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The recalls related to this PE are: 14V343, 14V344, 14V348, 14V351, 14V353, 14V655, 14V700, 14V701, 14V752, 14V763, 14V770, 14V773, 14V787, 14V802 and 14V817.The number of vehicles affected are an estimate since some vehicles may have both the driver and passenger side inflators recalled. The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492

PE14016

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Nissan Sentra 68

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 68 bulletins for the 2005 Nissan Sentra

2005 Nissan Sentra fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD2431-3227
2.5L 4‑cylFWD2026-2722-23

What 2005 Nissan Sentra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Brakes, Suspension · IN

I purchased a 2005 Nissan Sentra on [XXX] from TMZ Auto Sales. The front passenger and driver side calipers, rotors, brake pads, brake hoses, front driver side hub bearings and knuckle hook up, were replaced by me, and the left passenger side ball joint needs to be repaired. All repairs were done within 30-60 days of purchase. The dealer replaced the front driver side caliper and brake, but I had to replace them a second time, and the dealership also replaced the sensor that he thought needed to be replaced, but the check engine light is still on. I was driving to and from work with my grandchildren and the brakes, calipers, rotors would start to malfunction. My daughter and myself were driving when the front driver side and passenger brake hose malfunctioned. The dealership confirmed that both front calipers and brake pads needed to be replaced and he claimed to have fixed them both when he came to my house. The dealership also knew that both front brake hoses needed to be repaired and told me to have them replaced by the guy who was repairing the front passenger side caliper and brake that he allegedly fixed. The other problems were confirmed and resolved by my friends who work on cars. The front driver side brakes started to make a squeaking noise on September 2nd 2025 and I took the vehicle to my friend who works on cars. and he stated that the front passenger side brakes and caliper was not functioning properly. The car has not been inspected by anyone. The check engine light was on when I purchased the vehicle. The dealership worker, Wesley, stated that the check engine light might be related to the car needing a new gas cap. Wesley also stated prior to me purchasing the car that the car runs good, "I only need to change both brake pads and calipers". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 1, 2023 · Airbags · WA

Nissan Dealer locally will not repair my vehicle as per the recall for my air bags. Have driven out of town to a Nissan dealer and they said they did not have the part in stock and could not fix it. I would like to have my car fixed before the passenger air bag EXPLODES.

Filed Jul 27, 2021 · Acceleration · 123,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 30-35 mph, the vehicle revved up and accelerated without warning. The contact downshifted to slow the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2021 · Airbags · CA

I had an appointment for 10am I called ahead to confirm the estimated amount of time I was told it would take 2-4 hours. When I arrived they refused to service my vehicle they claimed they we're busy and refused to service my recall and treated me like a nuisance and with little respect. I spoke to the Nissan representative of San Leandro on Marina Blvd.

Filed Apr 30, 2021 · Airbags · 167,000 miles · TN · crash · fire · 2 injuries

I was driving this car but had stopped to let traffic by (in a turn lane) when an oncoming truck barrelled toward me & hit me head-on, going about 40 MPH. His truck bent in the whole front of my sentra but my neither my driver-side or passenger-side airbag went off to protect me & my daughter! There is a recall on the airbags, citing they could erupt & are dangerous, so I don't know if it's good or bad that they didn't deploy?? We were stopped & still in a turn lane on a city street. My car was totalled & wrecker got it. Few weeks later it was sent to salvage/auction company. I am disabled &can't upload pictures etc but can send you email w of my insurance adjuster & police report if you tell where to send it. But I don't know how to upload things, etc. I just think the bags should have deployed but didn't. However I hadn't been able to take car in for airbag recall yet, as told to do before this accident.

Filed Apr 8, 2021 · Engine · CA

Do not pass smog. Unknown reason.

Filed Feb 22, 2021 · Engine · 126,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan sentra. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle loss motive power without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer nissan of vacaville (671 orange dr, vacaville, ca 95687, (707) 474-4846) where it was diagnosed with needing the crankshaft sensor to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not including in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Mar 17, 2020 · Airbags · GA

Tl* takata recall the contact owns a 2005 nissan sentra. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v008000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated dublin nissan located at 2046 veterans blvd, dublin, ga 31021 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Sep 23, 2019 · Airbags, Brakes · 122,000 miles · CA · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan sentra. While driving 65 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal, which failed to engage and caused the contact to rear end another vehicle causing that vehicle to rear end another vehicle. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger side air bags failed to deploy as well as the seat belts failed to restrain the occupants. The contact stated that both she and the passenger heads come in contact with the windshield. The contact sustained cuts to the head and back pains. The front seat passenger sustained a cut to the right side of his head, neck and back pains. Medical attention was not sought. The contact was unaware of injuries sustained in the other vehicles. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where it was awaiting inspection by the insurance company. The contacted stated that the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v287000 (air bags) at fontana nissan (16444 s highland ave, fontana, ca 92336 (909) 574-2288) several months prior to the collision. The dealer was not contacted for diagnostic testing or repairs after the collison. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 64,000 miles · FL

I brought my car into the dealership for service and they said it has a blown head gasket.they also said that it would cost $2500 and this car only has 64000 miles on it.the dealer said that this is a known issue with the 2005 nissan sentra 1.8 engine.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2005 Nissan Sentra

Is the 2005 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners have filed 170 complaints about the 2005 Nissan Sentra, close to a typical Sentra model year.

What is the 2005 Nissan Sentra year score?

The 2005 Nissan Sentra scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Sentra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Nissan Sentra?

Engine and cooling, with 78 complaints, typically around 76,000 miles. Next is fuel system (37).

How many recalls does the 2005 Nissan Sentra have?

5 recalls, covering air bags, engine and engine cooling and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Nissan Sentra engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 07V527000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Sentra have bad engine?

The Nissan Sentra model years with the most engine complaints are 2002 (153 complaints), 2001 (108 complaints) and 2003 (107 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Nissan Sentra get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Nissan Sentra range from 22 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 24 city and 31-32 highway.

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